43840, Stone Creek, Ohio Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 43840, Stone Creek, Ohio is 40 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

53.39 percent of residents in 43840 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 13.48 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Union Hospital with a distance of 10.73 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commuting to Healthcare in Stone Creek, Ohio (ZIP Code 43840)

Stone Creek, Ohio, a charming village nestled in the heart of Tuscarawas County, presents a unique landscape for assessing overall health, particularly when considering access to healthcare. The "Overall Health Score" here hinges significantly on the challenges and opportunities presented by **transportation**. This analysis delves into the realities of navigating the region to reach medical facilities, factoring in drive times, public transit options, ride-sharing availability, and medical transport services. The goal is to provide a comprehensive understanding for residents and those contemplating **moving to Stone Creek**, ensuring informed decisions about their healthcare access.

The geographical layout of Stone Creek and its surrounding areas dictates much of the healthcare access experience. The village itself is relatively small, with limited medical facilities within its immediate boundaries. Residents, therefore, often need to travel to neighboring towns and cities to access a full spectrum of healthcare services. This necessitates reliance on personal vehicles, public transit, or alternative transportation methods, each carrying its own set of advantages and disadvantages.

**Drive Times and Roadways:**

The primary roadways serving Stone Creek are State Route 256 and State Route 93. These roads, while generally well-maintained, can experience congestion during peak hours, especially around the nearby city of Dover. Reaching major hospitals and specialist clinics requires navigating these routes, adding to the overall travel time. Dover, approximately 15-20 minutes away, is the closest hub for more extensive medical care. The Union Hospital, a prominent healthcare provider, offers a range of services, from emergency care to specialized treatments.

Traveling further afield, to Canton or New Philadelphia, increases the drive time significantly. Canton, roughly a 45-minute to an hour's drive via US-250 and Interstate 77, provides access to the Aultman Hospital and Mercy Medical Center, both offering comprehensive medical services. New Philadelphia, about a 25-30 minute drive via State Route 256 and US-250, offers additional healthcare options, including local clinics and specialized care facilities. These longer commutes underscore the importance of reliable **transportation** and the potential impact on timely healthcare access.

**Public Transit Options:**

Public transit in Stone Creek and the surrounding areas is limited. The Tuscarawas County Transportation (TCT) is the primary provider of public **transportation** services. TCT offers demand-response services, meaning rides must be scheduled in advance. This can be a significant barrier for those needing immediate medical attention. While TCT strives to provide ADA-compliant vehicles, scheduling and availability can be a concern. Routes and schedules are subject to change, so it is crucial to confirm details with the TCT directly.

The limited availability of public transit necessitates careful planning for medical appointments. Residents without personal vehicles or those unable to drive due to health conditions face significant challenges. The reliance on scheduled rides can delay access to essential medical care, potentially impacting health outcomes. This highlights the need for exploring alternative **transportation** solutions.

**Ride-Share and Medical Transport Services:**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, have a limited presence in the Stone Creek area. Availability is often dependent on the time of day and the demand in neighboring cities. This unreliability can make ride-sharing an unsuitable option for urgent medical needs. Residents should verify availability and pricing before relying on these services for healthcare **transportation**.

Medical transport services offer a more specialized solution. Companies like MedStar and other local providers offer non-emergency medical **transportation**, including wheelchair-accessible vehicles. These services require pre-booking and may involve higher costs than public transit or ride-sharing. However, they offer a reliable and accessible option for those needing assistance getting to and from medical appointments. This is a critical component of ensuring **healthcare access** for individuals with mobility limitations or other health conditions.

**Healthcare Access and the Overall Health Score:**

The "Overall Health Score" for Stone Creek, Ohio, reflects the complex interplay of **transportation** factors and their impact on **healthcare access**. The score is influenced by the drive times to medical facilities, the limitations of public transit, the availability of ride-sharing, and the cost and reliability of medical transport services. The score would be negatively impacted by the longer drive times to hospitals and specialist clinics, the limited public transit options, and the potential unreliability of ride-sharing services.

The limited availability of healthcare services within Stone Creek itself further compounds the **transportation** challenges. Residents must travel to other towns and cities for a wide range of medical needs, from routine check-ups to specialized treatments. This necessitates careful planning and reliance on reliable **transportation** options. The absence of readily available, affordable, and accessible **transportation** options can create significant barriers to timely healthcare access.

**Considerations for Moving to Stone Creek:**

For those considering **moving to Stone Creek**, the **transportation** landscape is a crucial factor to consider. Prospective residents should assess their healthcare needs and evaluate the available **transportation** options accordingly. Those who rely on public transit or have mobility limitations should carefully investigate the availability and reliability of TCT services and medical transport providers.

Understanding the drive times to medical facilities, the potential for delays, and the costs associated with various **transportation** methods is essential. It's also important to factor in the availability of family, friends, or neighbors who can provide assistance with **transportation**. The overall health score is inextricably linked to the ease with which residents can access the healthcare they need.

**Conclusion:**

The "Overall Health Score" for Stone Creek, Ohio, regarding **healthcare access** is significantly influenced by the challenges and opportunities presented by the local **transportation** infrastructure. While the village offers a peaceful and close-knit community, the limited availability of healthcare services within its boundaries necessitates reliance on **transportation** to neighboring towns and cities. Drive times, the limitations of public transit, the variable availability of ride-sharing, and the costs of medical transport services all contribute to the overall assessment.

For residents and those considering **moving to Stone Creek**, a thorough understanding of these factors is crucial. Planning for healthcare needs, evaluating **transportation** options, and considering the potential impact on timely access to medical care are essential steps in ensuring a healthy and fulfilling life in this charming Ohio village. The ability to navigate the **transportation** landscape effectively directly impacts the overall well-being of the community, making it a critical consideration in assessing the overall health score.